Mazatlan Travel Guide
Mazatlan, located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, is now one of the major tourist destinations in Mexico!
The name “Mazatlan” comes from the Aztec term "Mazatl", which means "place of deer".
Mazatlan’s position, due east of the southern tip of Baja California, at the meeting of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, endows it with warm waters, a year-round balmy climate and abundant year-round shoals of marlin and sailfish.
Mazatlan, Mexico, considered "the Pearl of the Pacific Coast”, has 700,000 inhabitants. Because of the beauty of its beaches and the wealth of its sea-life, Mazatlan has become one of the world’s main sport-fishing centers, like the "Bisbeès Billfish Classic".
Mazatlan is also one of the most important commercial ports in Mexico.
Mazatlan combines the old and the new. The traditional architecture of its old city centre is well-known as the "old Mazatlan" where you can admire the "Catedral de la Immaculada Concepción" and walk along its particular roads lined with nineteenth-century buildings.
The “old Matzalan” contrasts with the modern, luxurious Mazatlan hotels, all-inclusive resorts and Mazatlan restaurants which form the spectacular Zona Dorada. The Zona boasts 10 km of wonderful beaches, among them Playa Norte, Playa Gaviotas y Playa Venados and Playa Mazatlan, all ideal for surfing, diving and fishing!
Mazatlán offers many things to do!
In Mazatlán, Mexico, you will find places with an exuberant nature, such as the Cerro del Crestón. Here you can enjoy ecotourism as well as scaling its high top. At the summit you will find the lighthouse, considered the world’s second natural lighthouse after the Peñón de Gibraltar.
Mazatlan features large seaside golf courses and two marinas which offer mooring and maintenance services for all the types of boats.
The most famous cultural events in Mazatlan are:
- The Golf International tournament "Jesús Arnoldo Millán"
- The International Tennis tournament
- The Cultural Festival of Mazatlán
- The Art Festival of Sinaloa, and the
- Carnival of Mazatlán (the Mexican Mardi Gras) one of the happiest and most cheerful parties of the whole year and oneof the world’s most famous! An explosion of lights, colors and music fill Mazatlan with culture and traditions. Bands of all kinds play the infectious rhythms of Mexico.
If you prefer peace and quiet, Mazatlan offers something for everyone!
A good starting point is the Isla de la Piedra (Stone Island), one of the highlights of Mazatlan. Since it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the Golden Zone, the Stone Island Mazatlan is an excellent place to enjoy beautiful, quiet beaches and spend a relaxing day. The island offers a variety of food stations where you can try fresh seafood, and you can also participate in leisure activities such as horseback riding and water sports. Everything you need to spend an out-of-the-ordinary special day is waiting for you in this paradise located south of Mazatlan!
Come to Mazatlan for an exciting adventure! The waters surrounding Mazatlan are full of cetaceans. Search for and observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Oceanographers and naturalists will guide you in this adventure as you learn about the geological and natural history of the islands of the Gulf of California.
This extraordinary combination of beautiful Mazatlan beaches, awesome natural attractions and luxurious hotels, together with a beautifully-preserved historical center, a variety of cultural events and the warm hospitality of its people gives Mazatlan a unique mixture of colonial-like atmosphere and golden beaches.
This Mexican vacation spot is the perfect fishing spot. And since it is located right next to the Sea of Cortez in the Gulf of California, you can take many excursions to the natural Mazatlan attractions, in addition to enjoying its beautiful beaches, food and nightlife.
